Disclaimer: I do not own any of the CCS characters all rights go to clamp

Chapter 4

When prince Syaoran awoke he noticed the bed where Sakura had fell asleep, was empty. He looked around and could see no sign of her. However he looked down and could see Yin asleep and he was shocked when he realised that the beautiful dove he had rescued was snuggling up to Yin in his paws. On the bed was a note and it was addressed to Prince Li. Syaoran opened the letter and read

Dear Prince Li

I am eternally in your debt and I don't know how I will ever thank you enough for saving me. I'm sorry I didn't get to do this in person but during the day there is somewhere else that I am needed. So I must thank you from the bottom of my heart and I am grateful for your hospitality. Please meet me in the palace gardens 9 o'clock sharp. I will be awaiting your arrival.

Sakura

Syaoran smiled as he read the letter. He could smell a scent of Cherry Blossom and knew instantly that it was her scent. Sakura was watching intently but kept herself In her sleeping position to not disturb the prince until he was truly finished and she fluttered up to him.

"Good morning" smiled Syaoran to Sakura, completely unaware that Sakura is a cursed goddess in a dove form and the girl he saved from the bandits the previous night. She cooed lovingly into his ear and he felt a tremble through his entire body. Yin had awoken and stretched out his front and hind legs. He whimpered to his master signalling it was time for his routine morning training. Sakura flew off Syaorans shoulders and straight onto Yins' head. He chuckled.

"I see you two have already become great friends" said Syaoran.

Yin barked and Sakura flapped her wings, almost as if they were both agreeing with the prince's statement. Syaoran lead Yin out the door with Sakura still on his head.

"I take it you'd like to come with us" stated Syaoran. Sakura cooed again and Syaoran could see in her eyes that she wanted to spend more time with him. He lead them out of the palace, through the gardens and to a secret spot where his ritual, morning, training commenced. Sakura watched in awe and with a slight blush across her Dove white face. He was topless at this point and as he moved to the routine he performed, every muscle became more defined showing years of strength, pain and sweat that took him to get to his excellence within the Martial art. Complete focus was within him. Not a single whisper could put him out of tune. He was one with his body and spirit as he punched and kicked strong and hard, like a tiger. He moved gracefully and invincibly, like a dragon. Although he moved like a martial artist and could be symbolised as the Tiger and Dragon as one, there was something about him that was 'Rogue', didn't quite fit in with his martial art side. Like flame surrounding water, it just wasn't right and Sakura knew there was more to him than what was perceptible. But still she became lost in his warm, fiery Amber eyes.

After an hours training the young prince, followed by Yin and Sakura, went back to his room and showered before dressing in his daily robes and heading down to breakfast. Yin was usually fed by the kitchen chef and Sakura, still perched on his shoulder, was with Syaoran at the table. Queen Yelan and Syaorans' four sisters were already seated, so were Eriol, Tomoyo and the very person that made Syaoran shudder at the very sight of, Yelo. Fortunately for him the Gods were on his side and she refused to talk to him after last night's performance. Yelan noticed this as Syaoran sat down and Yelo made no attempt to make conversation with him, which was rather strange. Much to her curiosity she noticed Syaoran seemed much happier this morning as he began to lovingly feed Sakura grapes and crumbs from his breakfast plate.

"Must you bring that pigeon in here!" scowled Yelo, who was looking jealously at Sakura, whom she was unaware of being the girl that lay in his bed the previous night.

"Yes and she's not a Pigeon she's a Dove" replied Syaoran, trying his best not to lose his cool.

"Humph!!" shunned Yelo

"I think she's beautiful" began Tomoyo smiling softly at Syaoran as she watched him cutely fuss the Bird. Yin had just trotted in after his morning fill up. He headed straight for where Syaoran was seated. He whined up to Syaoran who gave him a pet on the head and placed Sakura gently on his head. Yin then walked off and lay sprawled across the mattress that was in the dining room just for him. He closed his eyes and gently began to dose off sleeping off his heavy meal.

"Yeah so do I" replied the 4 sisters in unison. They all turned around to stare at Sakura and as the sunlight shone through the window and on to her, she began to glow like a star again. They all awed apart from Yelo. She had gone red in the face from anger as she looked at Syaoran who was still gazing at Sakura as if hypnotised.

"She makes a rat with wings look more attractive!" exclaimed Yelo bursting like a volcano. Syaoran glanced at her coldly. This seemed to only annoy her more.

She glanced over at Sakura who was intently looking at her as if afraid. Yelo ceased this intimidating opportunity. She grabbed her silver knife that was lying restlessly and held it up as she approached Sakura. The entire table looked stunned at what she was about to do and Syaorans colour faded from his face leaving him pale. She panicked in fright fluttering her wings ready to make flight when suddenly Yin's eyes shot open. He jumped up, giving Sakura no other choice but to fly, and pounced on Yelo crashing her to the ground and pinning her. He barked viciously in her face. Sakura could see the terror in Yelos' eyes and decided to try and stop Yin. She cooed but cooed strangely almost as if she was a song bird. On hearing this Yin stopped to look at Sakura who was still in mid air. He glanced back at Yelo and growled in her face as he jumped off her and sat down away from Yelo, allowing Sakura to land on his head once again. Yelo got up and staggered a bit in a state of shock. Syaoran got up from the table and started walking in the direction of Yelo. She held out her arms as if to accept him in a loving embrace but instead he walked straight past her and went over to Yin where he patted him on the head. Yelo stood in shock and then turned around to face Yelan.

"I will not be humiliated anymore by your son and so I choose to depart early. I shall not marry that insane excuse for a prince in my wildest dreams!" exclaimed Yelo. Queen Yelan gently stood up

"I think you have out stayed your welcome here Princess Yelo". Yelan addressed her in a polite form using her royal status as though pointing out to her that Yelo did not address her as the queen. "I will send for someone to help you pack and there will be a carriage ready to take you home within the hour"

Yelo stood with her jaw to the floor. She huffed as she stormed out of the dining room. As she reached the doorway she turned around with a vicious grin on her face

"Watch over your precious bird mighty prince for someday I shall have my vengeance! And ill see to it personally that both the mutt and pigeon are given their just rewards!" she spat. Yin growled pointing his ears backward, still in his seated position. Yelo glared at him then bounded up the corridor to her room.

"What's with her?" asked Tomoyo glancing at Eriol. Eriol just shrugged. Syaoran was still in shock. He couldn't believe the jealousy that raged through Yelo all because of the attention the Dove received. Sakura glanced up at him as the light began to shine on her again. As usual her glow was radiant and Syaoran felt a warm light fill his heart.

"Syaoran?" asked Eriol.

"Hum" nodded Syaoran.

"Have you thought of a name for the Bird?"

"Yes……….Sakura"

Sakura glanced back up at him again. She had a warm feeling in her eyes and chuckled to herself as she knew he named her after the girl he met last night, which was her. And also to the fact that her real name was Sakura anyway so she wouldn't have to get used to being called by another name.

"Awwww that's so Kawaii!!!" awed Tomoyo. Eriol just rolled his eyes at his wife. He loved her so much that everything she said just seemed to make him even more happier than before.

The day passed by quite quickly and with Yelo gone, Sakura felt much happier fluttering around the palace than before. She flew out into the palace garden and perched herself underneath a cherry blossom tree. As the last light of day slipped under the horizon, Sakura began to glow again and transformed into her Goddess form. A gust of wind blew the cherry blossom petals off the tree and warping around her. She looked radiant as ever, even with her still torn and dirty white robes. Prince Syaoran walked just in time to see the goddess standing before him. His amber eyes lit up at the sight of her and she smiled warmly back at him. She didn't know what she felt but at that point she was most happy to see him and be able to communicate with him even better.

"Hey!" exclaimed Syaoran, as happy as ever to see Sakura.

"Hey! I'm sorry I ran off last night, it's kind of a long story to explain" relied Sakura. Syaoran could see the look of awkwardness in her eyes and knew she was hiding something but still he would wait until she felt comfortable enough to tell him.

"No, its ok, I'm glad I was able to help" smiled Syaoran. Sakura felt totally relaxed around him and knew deep down he had a pure heart.

Maybe he's the one I've been searching for. Maybe he can help me get back home thought Sakura.

"So Sakura tell me, what were you doing so deep into the forest? It was dangerous for you to be in there, especially all by yourself" inquired Syaoran

Sakura stared for a moment. His eyes met hers and they were convinced that if the intensity of their gaze became reality, then sparks would start flying everywhere. She hesitated for a moment but his soft expressions melted away any fear she felt and opened up to him.

"The… the truth is" she began.

"I…. Er…I" just as she was about to tell the young Prince the truth, Yin came bolting up to Sakura. He jumped up her and began to lick her face. No one would have thought he was a wolf, but a dog from the way he behaved.

"Ahahaha, Hey Yin it's good to see you too" Sakura giggled. Syaoran watched in awe as she was so kind to the beast. He was stuck for words and really couldn't express to her what he was feeling.

"Sakura I was hoping to ask you something" started Syaoran, breaking up the fussing session Sakura was giving Yin.

"Yes what is it Prince Li?" Sakura dipped her head curiously.

"Please call me Syaoran, there's no need for formality. I was hoping to ask you whether you would accompany me at Tomoyo and Eriol's anniversary ball next week. They insist I bring a date and I would be honoured if you would be the role of my date."

Sakura could see the sheer light of hope in his eyes and just couldn't turn down his proposal.

"Of course, actually it would be my honour to accompany you!" she exclaimed bowing gracefully. Just as Syaoran was about to reply a familiar figure jumped out from behind a hedge. It was Tomoyo.

"Oh my gosh sweetie that's so Kawai!" exclaimed Tomoyo to Syaoran. "I thought you were never going to find a date. Now Sakura you simply must let me do your hair and make-up oh and darling lets get you out of those clothes you look like you've been through hell and back you poor soul"

Sakura looked confused and just sweat dropped with an embarrassed smile.

"Yeah I guess my robes are a little torn" she chuckled. Syaoran rolled his eyes at Tomoyo. He knew exactly what she was up to.

"Now Sakura lets get you out of those clothes and into something new. You can take a nice long soak in the tub before bed" Tomoyo grabbed her hands and whizzed her up to one of the guest rooms. Sakura felt happy after a nice long soak in a bath filled with cherry blossom petals, her favourite. Tomoyo had left her some spare salmon pink silk Pyjamas on her bed. Sakura felt happy but then her heart dropped when she knew that the following night she would have to tell Syaoran about her secret and she must do it before the ball. Suddenly Sakura could hear scratching at the door. She approached the door cautiously and opened it only to see Yin looking up at her with a puppy dog face.

"Hello Yin, would you like to sleep in here tonight?" asked Sakura sweetly. He whined in approval and trotted in as Sakura closed the door behind her. Yin settled himself just below the side of the bed she slept on. Sakura pulled the covers up her chin and looked outside towards the balcony. The stars were out and she could hear them twinkling a song to her that lulled her to a beautiful dream that she never wanted to wake up from.